Controversial Christian Group Declares 12-12-12 as 'God Day'

Associates of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), considered a radical Christian sect by some for its claims about Christians taking over earthly institutions, have declared that the date 12-12-12 is "God Day" – which purportedly will be "a day like no other."

The evangelical Christian group brought into the spotlight in recent years for its involvement with political figures like Rick Perry, Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann, has announced that Dec. 12, 2012, will be a day of "global awakening" when participants gather in Orlando, Fla., to help launch "mass deliverance and salvation" around the world.

"A sound will be released that will awaken a city to awaken nations," says the website. "This sound of awakening shall go forth and an army of awakening shall arise in kingdom government and demonstration. Supernatural signs, wonders and miracles shall continually increase. Mass deliverance and salvation will break out in cities and regions. Places that were once dead in sin will spring forth in revival. News networks will report locally and globally about this phenomenon. Those who embrace this move will experience economic turnarounds."

The 12-12-12 "God Day" gathering was inspired by Orlando minister Joshua Fowler, who shared on his website in January that he was told "in an encounter with the Lord in 1999 to move to Orlando and raise up an army to bring 'God Day' to Orlando."

Fowler, the Apostle and Senior Minister of Legacy Life Church, will be joined by C. Peter Wagner, credited with founding NAR, and a handful of other ministers for three days of "strategic planning and global awakening" that will include "12 hours of prayer, praise and proclamation" on Dec. 12. On Dec. 13, organizers will hold the "Global Awakening Congress" to offer teachings on a variety of themes, such as "Aligning and Awakening" taught by Fowler and "Awakening and Transforming Society" taught by Wagner.

NAR gained widespread media attention last year when some of its associates organized Texas Gov. Rick Perry's "The Response" summer prayer event at Houston's Reliant Stadium.

The movement was criticized for its beliefs on spiritual warfare and dominionism, a claim that Christians are mandated to gain control over areas of society, culture and government in anticipation of, and in some cases to facilitate, Jesus Christ's Second Coming.

Wagner, a former professor of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission and credited with coining the term "New Apostolic Reformation" as well as guiding the movement, has denied that NAR is a cult, as some have alleged.

He addressed allegations last year amid media speculation and public scrutiny, writing, "The NAR is definitely not a cult. Those who affiliate with it believe the Apostles' Creed and all the standard classic statements of Christian doctrine. It will surprise some to know that the NAR embraces the largest non-Catholic segment of world Christianity.

"The NAR represents the most radical change in the way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation. This is not a doctrinal change. We adhere to the major tenets of the Reformation: the authority of Scripture, justification by faith, and the priesthood of all believers. But the quality of church life, the governance of the church, the worship, the theology of prayer, the missional goals, the optimistic vision for the future, and other features, constitute quite a change from traditional Protestantism."

The Christian Post produced a report last year on the controversy concerning NAR's doctrines in light of "The Response" prayer event.

The movement claims no firm organization or hierarchy, but is instead said to operate through numerous churches, ministries, councils and seminaries across the U.S. and around the world.